Association president and CEO Dennis Lyle calls Winfrey «the epitome of broadcasting excellence.» Ebert already is a member, along with late partner Gene Siskel. Winfrey came to Chicago in 1984 when she started hosting "A.M. Chicago" on WLS-TV.

That show eventually became "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which will end this month after 25 years. Other famous inductees include Paul Harvey, Hugh Downs and Charles Gibson.